Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church Lay Leader Role Leading Your Congregation

The Great Commission “Then Jesus came to them and said, ’All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20 Every Layperson is called to carry out the Great Commission; every layperson is called to be missional.

Personal Spiritual Development Your Spiritual Growth as a leader is important. You will find God’s strength and wisdom through spiritual disciplines. You will also set an example for others who are seeking to know God. You will need to spend time- In prayer In Scripture Fasting Worshipping In Holy Communion In Christian Community In works of service The witness of the Laity, their Christ-like examples of everyday living as well as the sharing of their own faith experiences of the gospel, is the primary evangelistic ministry through which all people will come to know Christ and The United Methodist Church will fulfill its mission.

What does the Lay Leader do? Represents the lay people in the congregation and is a role model of Christian discipleship for the congregation. Examines ways the congregation as a whole and as individuals can be involved in caring ministries in the community. Works with the pastor and other leaders to launch or strengthen ministries that build discipleship and increase God’s presence of caring, justice and love in the world. Makes plans with leaders in the congregation for celebrating the ministry of lay people throughout the year, and especially on Laity Sunday. Learns about the actions taken at annual conference and by the General Conference and shares this information with the members of the congregation. Meets regularly with the pastor to discuss the state of the church and the opportunities for ministry.

Lay Leader Connections The Lay Leader is an Intentional Connection and Representative for the Laity/Congregation

Lay Leader Connections Lay Leader and Local Church Leaders The Lay Leader typically attends the major or key committee meetings. The Lay Leader takes an active role in the meetings they attend. This isn’t a “spectator sport”. The Lay Leader is intentional about understanding the important aspects of the meeting and determining with who to share pertinent and authorized information. They share information in a timely fashion. The Lay Leader represents the other members of the laity (congregation) in these meetings both in opinion and vote.

Lay Leader Connections Connecting with the United Methodist Church Attend the Charge Conference Connect with the District Lay Leader(s) Connect with the District Lay Servant Ministry Director Attend Annual Conference Subscribe and read the District News Explore the INUMC and UMC websites

Lay Leader Connections Partnering with the Pastor Discuss your responsibilities with the pastor and establish how you will work together and how often you’ll meet. Meet regularly. YOU should schedule regular and periodic meetings. Establish an agenda or topics list for the meeting. Provide it to the pastor in advance of the meeting. A standing topic should be discussing the state of the congregation as it relates to the mission of the church, the vision of the local church, the health of the church and the needs for ministry. Each congregation must discern the way to accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ in its unique setting. Each pastor and lay leader must decide how they will share the work as together they guide the congregation in accomplishing its mission.

Lay Leader Connections Interacting with the Congregation Be Present. Be where members of the congregation are and where they talk. Both in the church and in the community. If your church has multiple worship services, alternate when you attend to be visible to everyone. Be intentional about your contacts. Cover all age groups, all personalities, new attendees and regulars, the loud and the quiet, the easy to talk to as well as the more difficult. You represent them all. Sharpen your listening skills and your patience. Utilize multiple means of communication.

The Mission – to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the world. The ministry of the laity flows from a commitment to Christ’s outreaching love. Lay members of The United Methodist Church are, by history and calling, active advocates of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Information Contained in this presentation is from the Book of Discipline and UMC Discipleship Ministries.